Good morning and welcome to Starting Right with Danny Mac . I'm going to be here every Monday to Friday to help you get a great five-minute start to your day . So grab your cup of coffee , sit back , relax and let me help you start your day right . Christmas really is all about the birth of Jesus .
Christmas really is all about the birth of Jesus , the Son of God , who came to this earth to take on human form and be born in that manger over 2,000 years ago . That's the celebration of Christmas . But one of the other major joys of Christmas is the coming together of family .
It traditionally is very much a family time and different families at different phases of their relationships have either tremendous joy or , in some cases , tremendous tension . And one of the biggest challenges can be watching our children , who were so excited about Christmas as youngsters .
But as they grow and get into their teen years and maybe a little beyond that , our relationships change and sometimes adjusting to those changes can be very difficult for all of us . I have a story for you today , written by Anne Reese . I think you will enjoy it . Oh no , this is a big mistake , isn't it ?
I prayed silently while waiting for our teenage son to take his turn . We were going around the dinner table on Christmas Eve telling our family members what we admired most about them or thanking them for something . It was our family tradition . Now we all sat waiting for our 16-year-old son , sheldon , and it looked as though he was not going to participate .
I looked down at the table and wondered what had happened to this relationship . Why had it become so strained ? We were all so close when he was younger . Where had that fun-loving , chattering fellow gone ? This year Sheldon became quiet and withdrawn . The silence had descended upon us like a wet blanket .
His mother and I often wondered what was going on behind those big blue eyes . His 16th birthday came and went and he refused to acknowledge it . He didn't care to get his driver's license either . We just couldn't believe it . I had often prayed Lord , what is going on in his head ? Please help me to understand .
This year , for the very first time , my wife and I began to dread Christmas with this heaviness hanging over our home . My wife was sure that this sullen teenager would choose not to participate in our family Christmas traditions .
She said she could just picture him staying in his room and shutting us out while he played his CDs or strummed his guitar for hours behind a closed door . We wondered what we could do to reach him . How could we break through to him ? What was going on in his head ?
We went through the usual motions of getting ready for Christmas , but our hearts were heavy whenever we thought of how much things had changed over the past year and , in particular , my wife wondered if we would be able to have our special time of sharing around the table , as we always had . Now we were gathered around that table on Christmas Eve .
The candlelight reflected on each face as we ate our traditional French onion soup and bread . It was a tradition we had started at the request of the children when they were small . They liked the idea of having something quick and easy , because they wanted the time to read stories and play games together .
Afterwards Tonight , when it came time to share , we purposely started with me , as I was sitting to Sheldon's left . That way Sheldon would be last , so even if he chose not to participate , it wouldn't spoil the atmosphere for all of us . We had each taken our turn telling each member of the family what they meant to us . Now it was Sheldon's turn .
I silently prayed for strength to respond in a positive way , no matter what he said . He cleared his throat and just sat there . I looked over at my wife as she sat nervously picking at the tablecloth and trying not to make eye contact with the rest of us . Then Sheldon began Dad , I love how you skate with me and play hockey .
You're fun to have for a father . He continued , but I was lost in thought . Had I totally misunderstood Sheldon ? And then I heard Mom . He paused again and appeared unsure of what to say , with the relationship between him and us feeling so rocky . I was afraid of what he might say , but then I heard him speak .
Was afraid of what he might say , but then I heard him speak . I love you , mom . I always have . I was shocked and elated . I looked up and he hesitated again Unbelievably . In the soft candlelight I saw tears glistening his cheeks .
Mom , thank you for being so supportive of me and whatever nutty thing I decided to do and at my games , I can count on you to be there in the stands . I feel your love and encouragement and you support me whatever I do . Thank you . By this time the tears were absolutely rolling down his face . He choked . Unable to go on , I bowed my head .
Oh Lord , forgive me , I was so wrong . By now everyone at the table had tears streaming down their cheeks . My wife and I stood and hugged Sheldon , and soon the entire family was in one giant group hug . What a beautiful answer to our prayers , and just in time for Christmas .
So , whatever your gathering may be like this Christmas , let me leave this prayer for you from Romans , chapter 15 , verse 13 . It says I pray that God , the source of hope , will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in Him . Have a great day , my friends . We will talk again tomorrow .
Thank you for joining us today , and I invite you to join us every Monday to Friday , right here at Starting Right , with Danny Mac .